As the Atlanta Business Unit Leader, Kali Bonnell’s role includes “ensuring our teammates are thriving, our clients are receiving the best quality service, and our projects are built safely, on time and under budget.” She is surrounded by the best problem solvers in the industry, forming a team that is passionate about building great things in Atlanta and beyond. She and her team foster professional growth, innovation, and camaraderie while working to understand our customers’ needs and bring their visions to life.

Kali fell in love with building at a young age, learning alongside her mother and grandfather, who was a master electrician. Kali loves seeing things come to life and initially planned on becoming an architect. Her passion for building ignited when she explored building science at Auburn University, and she never looked back. Kali joined DPR full-time as a project engineer in Atlanta in 2009. She worked in all the core markets on projects large and small, falling in love with healthcare when she helped build the Boca Raton Regional Women’s Institute — a building built and designed by women for women.

DPR’s shared leadership model resonates with Kali and reinforces her belief that, “Together we raise the bar.” Possessed with an infectious positive energy, she sees collaboration as her superpower. She loves DPR’s diversity, innovation and commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. These are essential pieces of who we are as a company, ensuring equal opportunity and making sure everyone is empowered to use their voice. “Leading a company of amazing leaders focused on growing things and people together,” inspires Kali to continue building.

She loves spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, being outdoors and enjoying nature. Her world right now centers on her daughter, and she loves watching her grow, experiencing childhood again through her.

Fun Facts

Role: Business Unit Leader, Atlanta
Favorite DPR core value: Integrity
What Kali loves about construction: I love working with our project teams, clients, design teams and trade partners to bring a collective vision to life. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the hard work of so many come to fruition.
First job: I worked at a dry cleaner, but I quickly moved on to the service industry as soon as I turned 16.
Desired superpower: Teleportation, I would love to zap and be somewhere in no time!
Best vacation spot: Anywhere in the world, if I have my family with me. Thailand, Cartagena, and Dubrovnik are our favorite spots so far.
Favorite subject in school: Math
Advice to share: Everything you want is on the other side of fear.